Port of Long Beach continues commitment to reduce pollutants

LONG BEACH: Officials say plans call for the use of zero-emission vehicles.

LONG BEACH - The Port of Long Beach will work with regional stakeholders and seek out more grant funding to further its zero-emissions efforts, Harbor Commissioner Nick Sramek said Monday.

Sramek and Port Assistant Director of Environmental Planning Heather Tomley presented to the Harbor Commission a report on reaching that goal.

Both spoke of the importance of collaborating with regional organizations and supporting projects that help cut down on pollutants.

"Everyone has to be a part of this for us to really achieve our goals, and I think it's everybody's goals to really make this a success," Sramek said.

Through the technology advancement program, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have taken the first step to zero emissions, adding that several projects are on the way, Sramek said.

Those projects include a move toward using trucks and tractors powered by hydrogen, electricity and lithium-ion batteries.

"There's no single strategy, so we really tried to focus on multiple strategies for zero-emissions goods movement," Sramek said. "Instead, we focused on developing near-term strategies that would allow us to have the flexibility for future innovations, technologies and approaches."

There also is a need to partner with other organizations, focus on plans that can affect air quality on a local and regional scale and support technology that can be applied elsewhere, he said.

"I think the road map that we did really kind of sets the pace for us saying where we're trying to get to and what pieces we need for it," he said.

Interim fireboat station planned

Port leaders also voted Monday to seek bids for an interim building for Fireboat Station No. 20 at Pier D, Berth 34.

The estimated $1.5 million work would include creating a temporary building that would house the fire engine, additional storage and two floating docks. The entire project for the interim station is about $3 million, paid with port revenue.

Station 20, which sits under the Gerald Desmond Bridge at Pier D, Berth 37, has to be moved for the upcoming bridge replacement project.

Meanwhile, port officials have identified a potential location for the permanent fire station, Berth 55, which is home to a restaurant and sportfishing boats.